Exodus 8:7
But the magicians did the same thing by their magic arts, and they also brought frogs up onto the land of Egypt.
But the magicians did the same thing by their magic arts
In the context of the plagues of Egypt, Pharaoh's magicians are able to replicate the miracle performed by Aaron and Moses, which demonstrates the presence of supernatural powers in Egypt. This reflects the historical context where Egyptian magicians and priests were known for their knowledge of the occult and their ability to perform impressive feats. Theologically, this phrase highlights the spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt, emphasizing that while the magicians could imitate the miracle, they could not reverse it or stop the plagues. This imitation serves as a reminder of the limitations of human and demonic powers compared to the sovereignty of God. The magicians' actions are reminiscent of the future false prophets mentioned in Revelation 13:13-14, who will perform signs to deceive.

and they also brought frogs up onto the land of Egypt
The plague of frogs is the second of the ten plagues and serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian goddess Heqet, who was depicted with a frog's head and associated with fertility and childbirth. The frogs' presence throughout Egypt would have been both a nuisance and a symbolic defeat of Heqet's power. This phrase underscores the theme of God's judgment against the false gods of Egypt, as seen in Exodus 12:12, where God declares He will execute judgment on all the gods of Egypt. Theologically, the frogs can be seen as a type of judgment that foreshadows the ultimate judgment of sin and rebellion against God. The inability of the magicians to remove the frogs further demonstrates the supremacy of the God of Israel over the powers of Egypt.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who is resisting God's command to let the Israelites go.

2. Moses and Aaron
God's chosen leaders to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

3. Egyptian Magicians
Practitioners of secret arts who replicate the plague of frogs, demonstrating the spiritual battle between God and the forces of Egypt.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where God is demonstrating His power through plagues.

5. The Plague of Frogs
The second plague sent by God as a judgment against Egypt, showing His supremacy over Egyptian deities.
Teaching Points
The Limitations of Human Power
The magicians could replicate the plague but not remove it, highlighting the limitations of human and demonic power compared to God's sovereignty.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The magicians' actions remind us of the ongoing spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. Believers must be aware and equipped with spiritual discernment.

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The plague of frogs demonstrates God's control over nature, affirming His authority over all creation, including the false gods of Egypt.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's continued resistance despite the plagues serves as a warning against hardening our hearts to God's voice and commands.

The Call to Faithfulness
Moses and Aaron's obedience in delivering God's message, despite opposition, encourages believers to remain faithful in their calling.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the ability of the magicians to replicate the plague of frogs challenge or reinforce your understanding of spiritual warfare?

2. In what ways can we discern between true miracles of God and counterfeit signs in today's world?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed the limitations of human power. How did it affect your faith in God's sovereignty?

4. How can the account of Pharaoh's hardened heart serve as a warning in your personal walk with God?

5. What steps can you take to remain faithful to God's calling in your life, even when facing opposition or challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 7:11-12
The magicians replicate Aaron's miracle of turning the staff into a serpent, showing their initial ability to mimic God's power.

2 Timothy 3:8
Paul references Jannes and Jambres, traditionally understood as two of Pharaoh's magicians, who opposed Moses, illustrating the resistance to God's truth.

Revelation 16:13-14
Describes demonic spirits performing signs, paralleling the deceptive power of the magicians in Egypt.
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Exodus 8:1-14
Superstitions Respecting FrogsT. S. Millington.Exodus 8:1-14
The Folly of Delaying Till TomorrowExodus 8:1-14
The Plague of FrogsJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 8:1-14
The Procession of FrogsA. McAuslane, D. D.Exodus 8:1-14
To-MorrowG. A. Sowter, M. A.Exodus 8:1-14
The Seared Plague: the FrogsD. Young Exodus 8:1-15
The Plague of FrogsJ. Orr Exodus 8:1-16
Three Plagues - Frogs, Lice, FliesJ. Orr Exodus 8:1-32
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Egypt, Goshen, Nile River
Topics
Arts, Cause, Egypt, Enchantments, Flashings, Frogs, Magicians, Making, Manner, Scribes, Secret, Sorceries, Wonder-workers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 8:7

     1416   miracles, nature of
     5941   secrecy

Library
Mary, Future Mother of Jesus, visits Elisabeth, Future Mother of John the Baptist.
(in the Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 39-56. ^c 39 And Mary arose in these days [within a week or two after the angel appeared to her] and went into the hill country [the district of Judah lying south of Jerusalem, of which the city of Hebron was the center] with haste [she fled to those whom God had inspired, so that they could understand her condition and know her innocence--to those who were as Joseph needed to be inspired, that he might understand--Matt. i. 18-25], into a city
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 22-37; ^B Mark III. 19-30; ^C Luke XI. 14-23. ^b 19 And he cometh into a house. [Whose house is not stated.] 20 And the multitude cometh together again [as on a previous occasion--Mark ii. 1], so that they could not so much as eat bread. [They could not sit down to a regular meal. A wonderful picture of the intense importunity of people and the corresponding eagerness of Jesus, who was as willing to do as they were to have done.] 21 And when his friends heard it, they went
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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